Bridging the Gap: Civic Participation and Marginalized Communities
- Alyssa Rodriguez (Iowa State University)
Abstract
The National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) 2020 Iowa State University Campus Report established a significant voter participation gap between students of historically underrepresented communities and those who are not. Their national report noted equity gaps in race and sex data. Ignoring these gaps can be harmful to marginalized communities, as it diminishes their political representation and silences their voices. Amplifying their voices better secures their access to resources and solutions to issues that directly impact their communities. This session is designed to recognize the unique barriers faced by students in past elections and their impact. An analysis will be presented to give the audience a comprehensive view of the barriers that are specific to the ISU community. Additionally, current feasible solutions to problems like accessibility will be provided. A call to action will be presented, encouraging effective action at both the individual and institutional levels. As Iowa looks to the 2024 election cycle, there are improvements that must be made at all levels to further progress equitable voting. It is imperative that every student understands the impact of their voice and how to use it.